Ireland's story changes with every turn, from mysterious castles dripping
in mystical legends and never ending history, to its exquisite coastline.
Each region disarms you with Irish charm unique from its neighbor. Try
them all, one by one. Wherever you start, you’re sure to bring home some lasting memories.
Ireland’s best loved counties rival each other in character and warmth. For a truly magical experience, discover each of the region’s hidden treasures.
Life moves at a much slower pace as inspiration abounds in its awe inspiring scenery in sunny Southeast Ireland.
A spectacular coastline awaits you in the most attractive Cork Kerry region in Southwest Ireland.
No matter where you turn Ireland is
breathtaking!
Cork Kerry
The Cork Kerry region is a region of scenic contrasts. The long indented coastline blends with spectacular mountains, and the many rivers and lakes combine with these mountains to give a landscape that offers much to the visitor.
This is a region where events dominate and offer everything an active vacationer could want including being host to many international festivals, the Irish Open Golf Championship and the finish of The Tour de France race. Sea and shore fishing is widely available as is excellent game angling. Cork City has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2005.
Dublin
Dublin was founded in the early ninth century when Vikings made their largest settlement outside of Scandinavia on the city of the present day city. Ever since then, Dublin has suffered many wars and conflicts.
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and one of Europe's most vibrant cities. The whole region is riding high on the crest of an economic boom and its effects are to be seen everywhere, from the high energy night life to a skyline filled with new buildings.
Home to over a quarter of the Ireland's population, Dublin is a youthful, and dynamic world class city. A variety of chic restaurants, night clubs and ultra-modern hotels mix graciously with Dublin's historic destinations. The eccentric mix of Medieval, Georgian and ultra-modern architecture defines the constant influences of time. The city is a bustling port that spreads inland to the surrounding hills.
Dublin tourist icons like the Temple Bar and Trinity College, Merrion Square and the National Museum are all benefiting from Dublin's new status as a year-round tourist destination. From museums and history to high energy entertainment, you find something for everyone here. Within half an hour of the city you can enjoy mountain walks, stately homes, gardens, castles, sandy beaches and fishing ports.
If the pace is just too much, escape to the hills of Howth, the Dalkey headland or the majestic Wicklow Mountains.
Roscommon
Roscommon is a small county town paradise for those that are water enthusiasts. The town is slightly inland but you are never far away from the ocean or one of the many rivers that pass through and lakes that dot the county.
The town is home to several historical sites which include Roscommon castle built in 1269 only to be taken by Hugh O'Connor in 1276. The castle changed ownership through battles yet again on several occasions until being finally destroyed in 1691 following the battle of Aughrim.
Today the castle is owned by the current Earl of Essex. The castle and the grounds are being restored and in the near future will be promoted as a major tourist destination.
Roscommon Jail
The Roscommon Jail built during the 13th century by the Dominican Friary has the dubious distinction of having had a female (know as Lady Betty) executioner. A convicted murderer on death row who had her sentence commuted after she volunteered to serve as the executioner at the jail, it is said that she used to do a drawing of every person before carrying out their sentence.
A short trip away is Castlestrange built in beautifully carved Iron Age Celtic La Téne stone.
Drimnagh Castle
Drimnagh Castle was, until 1954, one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Ireland and is an outstanding example of an old feudal stronghold.
It is the only Irish castle still to be surrounded by a flooded moat. The Castle consists of a Restored Great Hall and a medieval undercroft, a tall battlement tower with lookout posts and other separate building.
Drimnagh's formal 17th century garden cannot be missed!
When To Go:
Ireland 's coldest months are January and February, while July and August are the warmest. May and June are the sunniest months, averaging five to seven hours of sunshine daily. The greatest amount of consistent sunshine can be found in the southeast of the country. Air temperatures in July and August can reach the mid-seventies F (23 Celsius), with water temperatures in the mid-sixties (16 Celsius). Wintertime water temperatures can drop below forty degrees (4 Celsius), with air temperatures in January and February between thirty and forty degrees (4 to -1 Celsius).
Ireland is renowned for its rain. It can rain at any time of the year, but does so most often in the winter and in the western half of the country. The driest areas, around Dublin in the east, have about 30 inches (75 centimeters).
Dublin was founded in the early ninth century when Vikings made their largest settlement outside of Scandinavia on the city of the present day city. Ever since then, Dublin has suffered many wars and conflicts. 
Roscommon is a small county town paradise for those that are water enthusiasts. The town is slightly inland but you are never far away from the ocean or one of the many rivers that pass through and lakes that dot the county. 
Drimnagh Castle was, until 1954, one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Ireland and is an outstanding example of an old feudal stronghold.
Ireland 's coldest months are January and February, while July and August are the warmest. May and June are the sunniest months, averaging five to seven hours of sunshine daily. The greatest amount of consistent sunshine can be found in the southeast of the country. Air temperatures in July and August can reach the mid-seventies F (23 Celsius), with water temperatures in the mid-sixties (16 Celsius). Wintertime water temperatures can drop below forty degrees (4 Celsius), with air temperatures in January and February between thirty and forty degrees (4 to -1 Celsius).